5 Fantastic Fights Scenes in Action Movies

Movies new and old are filled with amazing fight scenes that leave the viewer on the edge of his seat, cringing with the blows and rooting for his favorite character. These are five of the best fight scenes from some of the best action movies around. For anyone interested in a night of punches, intense action and fun, these movie fight scenes are a great way to go.

Photo Credit: Tristar Pictures

T-800 vs. T-1000 in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day"

This 1991 hit is the sequel to the 1984 film "The Terminator" and stays true to the franchise theme of violence with a few key battles. The finale, however, is the most impressive of the film. The group of characters comes together in a steel mill filled with machinery and dangerously hot molten metal. The two terminators, the helpful T-800 and the evil T-1000, quickly engage in a battle of technology and brute strength against one another.

The T-800's stiff, mechanical movements provide a wonderful contrast to the sleek, ever-changing physique of the T-1000, resulting in an exciting, varied battle. The Terminator, or T-800, is taken down by the T-1000, but with a great show of strength and will power, he rejoins the fight soon after.

This long-awaited battle pits the main antagonist and protagonist of the "Star Wars" franchise against one another. Although neither succeeds in killing the other, the two fight an impressive battle. Luke Skywalker uses the techniques and skills taught to him by the Force Master Yoda while Darth Vader draws on decades of experience against the younger man.

This is not only an awesome fight scene, but it is a pivotal point in the series. The scene shows the characters of Luke and Darth Vader while creating an exciting battle. In addition, it is the source of one of the most famous twists in cinematic history, although the relationship between the characters has since become common knowledge. The 1980 release date does not mean the visuals are anything less than impressive, so movie-goers should not overlook this title.

Photo Credit: New Line Cinema

Gandalf vs. Balrog in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"

When people think about "The Lord of the Rings," most think of elves and huge, oversized battles. This discounts some of the smaller, one-on-one fights that put the films into a new category of impressive visuals, acting and characterization. In the first film of the trilogy released in 2001, the Fellowship finds itself deep in a dwarven ruin where they are soon hunted by a giant monster called Balrog.

In order to let the rest of the Fellowship escape, Gandalf hangs back in the group to fight Balrog. The wizard stands alone against the stunning fiery darkness of Balrog and lets his companions escape, although he falls into a pit with his foe. The battle between the two does not end there, however. They continue fighting to a tall mountain peak where the battle finally comes to an end. This fight signals the biggest character change that Gandalf the Grey goes through during the trilogy.

Photo Credit: Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures

The Avengers vs. Loki and Friends in "The Avengers"

This 2012 hit comic book movie brings together the most powerful and popular Marvel heroes to fight the dangerous villain and brother of Thor, Loki. The final battle involves the whole Avengers gang against Loki and the creatures he unleashes on New York City via a wormhole. This battle brings out the best in the heroes, with each performing a specific duty. For example, Captain America organizes the police while Hawkeye snipes villains from the rooftops.

The Hulk's impressive strength is the end of Loki, but the battle is not without its humorous moments that are so commonly found in comics. The humor makes this fight stand out among the rest and makes it easy to re-watch since there is always something new to discover.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

Batman vs. Bane in "The Dark Knight Rises"

A list of the best fight scenes is sorely lacking without an appearance from the famous Batman. This 2012 finale of the Nolan Batman franchise technically has two battles between Batman and Bane, but they are so linked together that it is easy to combine them into one item. At first, Batman is beaten badly. The hero has lost his will to fight and lacks the control and confidence needed to win. With no musical score to break up the fight, the audience is left with heavy punches and agonized breaths as Batman loses to his foe.

However, the second act of the Batman and Bane saga includes a rejuvenated Batman that is a wonderful contrast to the original fight. This battle is hard-hitting on both sides, with Batman finally finding his stride to be the hero that Gotham deserves.

This wide range of fantastic fight scenes covers science fiction, fantasy and comics, so there is something for everyone. These fight scenes are essential plot points for their respective movies and provide crucial character development while giving the viewer an impressive show.